Analytics, responsive design, risk and security technologies figured heavily in our picks of the most promising technology companies to watch in 2013. See if you agree with our choices.

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8. 'Facebook Banking' Shows Signs of Life

South Africa's FNB Bank, New Zealand's ASB Bank and Australia's Commonwealth Bank all embraced Facebook as a delivery channel for financial services this year. The article looks at how these banks are dabbling in social media and why U.S. banks should follow suit.

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7. Paperless Mortgages May Be the Key to Compliance

Some findings in Xerox's eighth annual "Path to Paperless" survey were eye catching, revealing discernible anxiety about mortgage regulations that is having an impact on the pace of innovation. For instance, more than 43 percent of lenders believe that more than half of all loans will be closed electronically within the next four years.

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6. USAA Plots Its Next Steps in Mobile

Neff Hudson at USAA, which has long adopted new mobile services with a pioneering spirit, shared with us some of his organization's plans for a new marketing and sales strategy that will be unique to the mobile channel, as well as a vision for a simplified user experience in mobile payments.

Year after year, Apple fans have expected the company to make a splash with an iPhone-based mobile payment system. And year after year, Apple has let them down — but a lot has been going on under the surface.

(Image: Bloomberg News)

3. The Shrinking Bank Branch

New branch technology projects  such as Wells Fargo's electronic pads at teller stations, Dollar Bank's use of ATM video and Bank of Montreal's leveraging of videoconferencing to bring financial experts to remote locations  highlight innovation that banks are using to win the battle of the bulk.

2. Walmart's New Bluebird Card Makes It a Tougher Competitor to Banks

After years of providing financial services, Walmart is becoming a more formidable bank competitor with the addition of American Express's checking account alternative, Bluebird. However, the retailer insists it has no desire to become a bank.